Church news in brief

This Sunday St. Paul’s celebrates the third Sunday of Advent — the week of Joy. At 4 p.m. will be a service of Lessons and Carols, with readings, song and candlelight to celebrate the light that was promised — and has come — to brighten our paths and show the way. Come again on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m., a Taizeservice will be presented at Old St. Paul’s at 601 Union St.

Taizé is a Christian prayer service that incorporates simple, meditative songs and periods of silent reflection. This intimate experience has found its way into church programs throughout the world, attracting people of varying ages from all walks of life, particularly young adults who are midway on their spiritual journey.

Taizé prayer is ecumenical and meant to foster reconciliation and peace among all people. It originated in the 1940s at a monastery in Taizé, France, and its format has been adapted in diverse ways for use by Christian and non-Christian communities. Readings range from Thomas Merton and Walt Whitman to The Book of Common Prayer and the Book of Psalms. The ecumenical nature of the service is designed to allow participants to gather in a community setting, yet remain open to the voice of God within.

Sunday services at St. Paul’s are at 8 and 10 a.m., with child care and classes at the 10 a.m. service. Discussion Hour is between services. All are welcome. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1805 Minnesota St. The Dalles. www.stpaulsthe

dalles.org.

The Church of the Nazarene

The Church of the Nazarene animated Christmas light show set to music will run nightly between 5 and 10 p.m. through Christmas. Music for the display can be heard through car FM radios at 87.9.

Friday and Saturday evenings, church members will provide coffee and hot chocolate for those who visit. The church will also have a Christmas Eve candlelit service at 5 p.m.

Gateway Presbyterian

Interim Pastor Rich Zimmerman will give the message, “Coming Home to the Blooming Desert,” at the 8:30 a.m. traditional and 11 a.m. contemporary worship service. From 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. will be adult, youth and children’s classes. Wednesday programs start at 6 p.m. and include, The Marriage Course at the Riverenza; youth group, Women’s Study Beth Moore “James”; Men’s study and Parenting TODAY, which starts at 5:30.

A two week-class on the real meaning of Christmas, “Christmas Unplugged,” starts this Sunday, Dec. 15, at 9:45 a.m. and is led by Associate Pastor Tim Vance.